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2012 Volkswagen Passat Values

Select a 2012 Volkswagen Passat trim level

Sporting a fresh redesign, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is a large family sedan available in three different trim levels, including a diesel variant. The base trim is powered by a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine that produces 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices consist of a 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission. For upgraded performance VW offers a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 280 hp and 265 lb-ft torque, equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The TDI trim level offers a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission the Passat TDI can achieve up to 43 mpg highway. Gas mileage for the petrol trims falls within an EPA estimated range of 20 mpg city to 32 mpg highway, depending on engine/transmission selection. Features include remote start, sunroof, navigation, premium leather seats, heated front seats, and hands-free phone capabilities. Safety is comprised of electronic stability control, intelligent crash response, anti-lock braking, and tire pressure monitoring. The Passat is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.

2012 model year changes

Volkswagen has completely redesigned its mid-size Passat for 2012, and while doing so, stretching it in size by several inches in overall length and wheelbase. This yields significantly more interior space--especially for backseat passengers. Ride quality is improved, too. Meanwhile, Volkswagen has expanded the standard feature list while trimming down options and build combinations--all while lowering the price significantly on some of the variants. At the same time, VW has brought an optional TDI clean-diesel engine back to the Passat.

Competitive comparison

Special features for 2012

The new 2012 Passat is no longer a premium-priced model; Volkswagen has made this redesigned model fully competitive in price and features with other high-value models such as the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, and configured it size-wise to directly take on the Honda Accord. VW meanwhile has increased standard feature content and simplified the Passat to just 16 build combinations, all while lowering prices--meaning that if it's simply a well-equipped mid-size sedan you're seeking, the Passat is likely going to look like a great deal. The Passat remains one of the few mid-size sedans to offer the option of a manual transmission and the only non-luxury mid-size to offer a diesel. That TDI model comes with an astonishing 43-mpg EPA highway rating--enough to beat some hybrids.

Passat-4 Cyl. Turbo

Passat-5 Cyl.

Passat-V6

Sporting a fresh redesign, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is a large family sedan available in three different trim levels, including a diesel variant. The base trim is powered by a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine that produces 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices consist of a 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission. For upgraded performance VW offers a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 280 hp and 265 lb-ft torque, equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The TDI trim level offers a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission the Passat TDI can achieve up to 43 mpg highway. Gas mileage for the petrol trims falls within an EPA estimated range of 20 mpg city to 32 mpg highway, depending on engine/transmission selection. Features include remote start, sunroof, navigation, premium leather seats, heated front seats, and hands-free phone capabilities. Safety is comprised of electronic stability control, intelligent crash response, anti-lock braking, and tire pressure monitoring. The Passat is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.